LaseMD Ultra® Fractional Resurfacing – What to Expect

What is LaseMD Ultra?

LaseMD Ultra is a non-ablative fractional laser treatment that resurfaces the skin, improves discoloration, and stimulates collagen production.

The laser creates microscopic treatment zones in the skin, prompting the body’s natural healing response while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This allows the skin to renew itself with less downtime than more aggressive resurfacing treatments.

LaseMD Ultra can help improve:

• Sun damage and dark spots
• Uneven pigmentation
• Rough or uneven skin texture
• Fine lines
• Enlarged pores
• Dullness
• Overall skin tone and radiance

Smoother, brighter skin is often noticeable within one to two weeks as the skin completes its initial healing process. Collagen production develops more gradually over several months, helping support skin firmness and continued improvement in fine lines and texture.

Before Your Treatment

To prepare for your appointment:

• Discontinue retinoids, including retinol, tretinoin, Retin-A®, and adapalene, for 5–7 days before treatment.
• Discontinue exfoliating acids, including glycolic acid, salicylic acid, and other AHA/BHA products, for 5–7 days before treatment.
• Avoid other potentially irritating skincare products as directed by your provider.
• Do not use self-tanner on the treatment area.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure and notify your provider if you have recently developed a sunburn or significant tan.
• If you have a history of cold sores or herpes simplex outbreaks, notify your provider. An antiviral medication may be recommended beginning 1–2 days before treatment.
• Patients with darker skin tones, melasma, or a tendency to develop hyperpigmentation may be advised to pretreat with a pigment-regulating topical product for several weeks.
• Make sure your provider is aware of your complete medical history, medications, supplements, allergies, and skin conditions.

Certain skin or health conditions that affect pigmentation or healing may require additional precautions or make treatment inappropriate.

Day of Your Appointment

Please arrive:

• On time to allow for proper preparation and numbing.
• With clean skin free of makeup, sunscreen, and skincare products.
• Wearing comfortable clothing with an accessible neckline if your neck or chest will be treated.

A strong topical anesthetic will be applied to the treatment area for approximately 20–30 minutes.

The laser portion of the appointment typically lasts 15–40 minutes, depending on the areas being treated. Including cleansing, preparation, numbing, and post-treatment care, your full appointment may last approximately 90 minutes.

Most patients tolerate the procedure well with topical numbing, although warmth, prickling, or mild discomfort may be experienced.

Immediately after treatment, medical-grade topical products will be applied based on your skin and treatment goals. A specialized sheet mask may also be used to soothe and calm the skin.

Post-treatment serum options may include:

• Biopelle® Growth Factor Serum
• Plated™ Intense Serum
• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) Serum
• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
• Tranexamic Acid Brightening Serum

Some upgraded serum options may involve an additional cost.

After Your Treatment

Immediately following treatment, it is normal to experience:

• Redness
• Mild swelling
• Warmth
• Stinging or a sunburn-like sensation
• Skin sensitivity

The most noticeable warmth and irritation usually improve within approximately 20–30 minutes, although mild sensitivity may continue for several hours.

Cool compresses or aloe vera gel may be used if recommended. Contact your provider before applying unapproved over-the-counter products if irritation persists.

What to Expect During Healing

During the first several days:

• Mild swelling may occur and typically resolves within 1–2 days.
• The skin may develop a dry, rough, or sandpaper-like texture.
• Mild flaking may occur.
• Dark spots and areas of pigmentation may temporarily become darker.
• Pigment may look similar to tiny “coffee grounds” before naturally flaking away.

Do not pick, peel, scrub, or exfoliate the treated skin.

The rough texture usually improves within approximately one week, although it may take up to two weeks for the skin to feel completely smooth.

Aftercare

For the best healing and results:

• Avoid makeup for 24 hours.
• Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher beginning immediately after treatment.
• Apply sunscreen generously at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply as directed.
• Avoid direct or prolonged sun exposure during the first week.
• Consider wearing a hat or visor when outdoors.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, excessive sweating, saunas, steam rooms, and temperature extremes for 24–48 hours.
• Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, and natural bodies of water for approximately 3–4 days.
• Avoid retinoids, AHA/BHA products, exfoliants, scrubs, and other irritating active ingredients for at least one week or until your provider advises restarting them.
• Stay well hydrated.
• Use only gentle, provider-approved skincare products during the initial healing period.

Tinted mineral sunscreen may be used for light coverage after the first 24 hours. During healing, high-quality mineral makeup may be less likely to cause irritation or breakouts.

Recommended Skincare: First 3 Days

Morning & Evening

1. Gentle cleanser
2. Repair cream or Sente Dermal Repair Cream serum
3. Optional SkinMedica HA5 or hyaluronic acid serum
4. Gentle moisturizer
5. Broad-spectrum sunscreen (Daytime only)

Your provider may supply an aftercare kit containing cleanser, repair cream, moisturizer, and sunscreen.

Use only the products recommended for your skin and treatment plan.

Risks & Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and temporary.

Common effects may include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Tenderness
• Dryness
• Flaking
• Temporary darkening of pigment
• Rough skin texture
• Mild acne flare

If you are prone to acne, avoid heavy occlusive products such as petroleum jelly or thick ointments unless specifically recommended by your provider.

Less common risks may include:

• Prolonged redness
• Infection
• Cold sore reactivation
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
• Hypopigmentation
• Burns
• Scarring

Contact your provider if you experience increasing pain, blistering, drainage, worsening redness, significant swelling, or other unexpected symptoms.

Results

Many patients notice smoother texture, improved radiance, and more even pigmentation within one to two weeks after treatment.

Collagen production and remodeling continue gradually over several months, supporting ongoing improvement in skin texture, fine lines, and firmness.

A series of treatments is commonly recommended. A typical treatment plan may include:

• 3 treatments
• Treatments spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart

Your personalized treatment plan may vary depending on:

• Skin type
• Pigmentation
• Treatment intensity
• Skin concerns
• Lifestyle
• Desired results

Consistent use of high-quality skincare and daily sunscreen can enhance and help maintain your results.

LaseMD Ultra may also be combined with treatments such as Genius® RF Microneedling, BBL®, Hydrafacial®, neuromodulators, dermal fillers, Sculptra®, or other skin-rejuvenation procedures as part of a personalized treatment plan.